Madden NFL 2005

 PlayStation 2
User Score
8.0

Generally favorable reviews- based on 87 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 64 out of 87
  2. Mixed: 12 out of 87
  3. Negative: 11 out of 87
Buy Now
Buy on

Review this game

  1. Your Score
    0 out of 10
    Rate this:
    • 10
    • 9
    • 8
    • 7
    • 6
    • 5
    • 4
    • 3
    • 2
    • 1
    • 0
    • 0
  1. Submit
  2. Check Spelling
view
per page
  1. AmazonDon
    Aug 30, 2020
    10
    This is the best game in the Madden series. Even today in 2020. this game has arguably the best franchise mode in any football game to date. And that's because ever since 2005 EA Sports has gone out of their way to ruin this game.
  2. TuomasK.
    Aug 15, 2004
    0
    I was fooled by this game this year. Espn Football 2k5 has better graphics even on PS2 compared to MAdden Xbox version. Sad that gameplay is akward too. Glad I bought Espn Football for 2 bucks. Why the hell buy this if there is better , MUCH better game available at 20 bucks?
  3. [Anonymous]
    Sep 3, 2004
    9
    They need to work on commentating some more but other than that Madden 2005 is just as good as last years edition. which is saying something.
  4. JamesS.
    Aug 13, 2004
    6
    I'm a life long Madden but with the new stick movement im up by 40 points and the first quarter isnt even done. Whats worse is the game looks dated Compared to Espn 2k5. If your last madden game was 2002 then this is the game for you, If not save your money and go for the better product Espn 2k5.
  5. SteveM.
    Sep 2, 2004
    0
    This game is nothing compared to the espn series.
  6. D.S.
    Nov 9, 2004
    9
    This game is exciting and one of a kind. It kicks ass and with the Tony Bruno show it just get amazing. It could be better if other clubs offered you more trades and the value thing isnt the best.
  7. Bob
    Aug 14, 2004
    10
    James S. has devalued my faith in humanity's future. Anyone that actually believes that ESPN 2K5 is better than Madden should be killed with the betterment of humanity in mind. P.S. Here's a tip: If you're scoring too many points, try changing some settings... maybe start by changing the difficulty setting.
  8. K.Willis
    Aug 16, 2004
    9
    A great game but there are still a few bugs. It was easy enough to play having played the previous versions, and there are so many realistic elements. I would rate this a 10, but what would I do next year when further improvements are added?
  9. EdwinH.
    Aug 17, 2004
    10
    Yo soy mexicano y no hablo muy bien ingles pero puedo decir esto "THE GAME IS VERY GOOD" 10 10 10 10 10
  10. KyleV.
    Aug 18, 2004
    2
    The actual game play in this is quite bad. Dont expect to run the ball at all--ever. Ive also noticed that it doesnt seem to matter how skilled your players are (unless your simulating everything). your 97 overall runningback will be brought down by a 69 ranked lb every time. Your 99 WR will still be covered like glue by the 77 CB. Kind of makes the whole "getting better players" part The actual game play in this is quite bad. Dont expect to run the ball at all--ever. Ive also noticed that it doesnt seem to matter how skilled your players are (unless your simulating everything). your 97 overall runningback will be brought down by a 69 ranked lb every time. Your 99 WR will still be covered like glue by the 77 CB. Kind of makes the whole "getting better players" part really pointless. The AI is also a little skitso. . . if you mix up plays as a real football coach should, you'll get nothing. but if you find one play that the ai cant adjust to, you can run it all game long--very boring. So its the actual finding a good play rather than finding good players that gets to the winning. As far as the franchise mode is concerned its excellent. you can draft, sign, trade much better than before. I especially like how you have to do research and your not sure what youre drafting, just like in real life. you can relocate your team which is very cool. the owner portion is also very cool but that was put in place in madden 2004. If you havent tried it, borrow it or rent it first--change the game dificulty above pro (to all pro or all madden) and see if you like the game play, because without it, its just a glorified football sim. (or you could do this, buy espn 2k5 and rent madden 2005--25 bucks-- and then see for your self which has the better gameplay.… Expand
  11. BillK.
    Aug 18, 2004
    10
    First off, let me say that both games are incredibly fun. I am sensing that a lot of people (read "kids") on here bought one game and feel the need to rip the other one. I have both. Enjoy both. Here's the honest break down: Graphics are WAY better on Madden. Gameplay is more realistic in Madden. It is FAR, FAR easier to sit back and chuck it deep in ESPN 2K5. Guys are open First off, let me say that both games are incredibly fun. I am sensing that a lot of people (read "kids") on here bought one game and feel the need to rip the other one. I have both. Enjoy both. Here's the honest break down: Graphics are WAY better on Madden. Gameplay is more realistic in Madden. It is FAR, FAR easier to sit back and chuck it deep in ESPN 2K5. Guys are open everywhere and if a WR is in single coverage its so easy to get a TD...and running is easier in 2K5 as well. Not so in Madden. The D is tougher this year. Also, you can get away with calling the same play all game in 2K5, but Madden makes you switch it up. You have more options when you're on D as well AT THE LINE...like double-teaming a particular receiver, blitzing, spying, etc. Conversely, audibles are better in 2K5 because you have different ones for EVERY FORMATION...and you can switch them on the fly. Unlike Madden where you have 6 (and 6 for D) and you have to pause to change them. Ironically, pausing is how ESPN does Defensive assignments...both games should borrow from each other and allow these changes to be made at the line of scrimmage. My other beef with Madden is the cheap AI...I shouldn't be punished with INTs and fumbles just because I'm winning. In the end, ESPN might be more fun (and the Crib is a far more fun incentive than Madden Cards)...but it might be a bit too easy and too unrealistic (and I'm playing on the same levels on both games.) You can't go wrong with either game and neithr game is perfect, but if you can only buy ONE, I'd say probably get Madden, even at $50 its still the better game. But again, both are great.… Expand
  12. MikeS.
    Aug 28, 2004
    10
    This game is awesome, definitely a perfect ten, it has all the aspects of a great game.
  13. Will
    Sep 10, 2004
    9
    An excellent game, however, like many others have said, it is very much alike the others. The hitstick is a great addition, but leaves a bit to be desired in visual hits. Furthermore, I believe the commentating can be expanded upon, and the substitutions shouldn't limit players to play certain positions. I remember in older versions you could have a CB play as a WR and vica versa. An excellent game, however, like many others have said, it is very much alike the others. The hitstick is a great addition, but leaves a bit to be desired in visual hits. Furthermore, I believe the commentating can be expanded upon, and the substitutions shouldn't limit players to play certain positions. I remember in older versions you could have a CB play as a WR and vica versa. Overall I love the Madden series and it gets better and better.… Expand
  14. GeeHoneyBee
    Sep 22, 2004
    9
    Hard to run the ball as usual. Big difficulty gap between Pro and All-Pro but the great graphics and all the plentiful features make it a great product.
  15. AaronO.
    Sep 30, 2004
    9
    This game is amazing, yeah it is kind of like the previous Madden, but there is just something about the game that makes it awesome. The graphics on the game are alot better, and what i love most about the game is the new and improved "hit stick" where you can decide whether you want to wrap up your tackle or go for the big hit and fumble, at first i thought that it was dumb but once i This game is amazing, yeah it is kind of like the previous Madden, but there is just something about the game that makes it awesome. The graphics on the game are alot better, and what i love most about the game is the new and improved "hit stick" where you can decide whether you want to wrap up your tackle or go for the big hit and fumble, at first i thought that it was dumb but once i got the hang of using it, it became my favorite feature in the game. People complain about "oh well if you want a unrealistic running game then get madden" the defense on madden is tougher yes, but all the talk about a unrealistic running game is all crap, the running game is tougher, and it teaches you real football. If you yourself know football then it is some good competition, If you know by what formation the defense is in whether you can run or not. And that is what makes the game so realistic. The "unstoppable running defense" is only for the idiots that try to run up the middle while the defense is stuffing "the box"… Expand
  16. AaronO.
    Sep 30, 2004
    9
    This game is amazing, yeah it is kind of like the previous Madden, but there is just something about the game that makes it awesome. The graphics on the game are alot better, and what i love most about the game is the new and improved "hit stick" where you can decide whether you want to wrap up your tackle or go for the big hit and fumble, at first i thought that it was dumb but once i This game is amazing, yeah it is kind of like the previous Madden, but there is just something about the game that makes it awesome. The graphics on the game are alot better, and what i love most about the game is the new and improved "hit stick" where you can decide whether you want to wrap up your tackle or go for the big hit and fumble, at first i thought that it was dumb but once i got the hang of using it, it became my favorite feature in the game. People complain about "oh well if you want a unrealistic running game then get madden" the defense on madden is tougher yes, but all the talk about a unrealistic running game is all crap, the running game is tougher, and it teaches you real football. If you yourself know football then it is some good competition, If you know by what formation the defense is in whether you can run or not. And that is what makes the game so realistic. The "unstoppable running defense" is only for the idiots that try to run up the middle while the defense is stuffing "the box"… Expand
  17. AdamF.
    Jan 5, 2005
    9
    I thought the game was better than madden 04. I ove the new hit stick and i find it very easy to use. The Franchise game mode is sweet but i always find myself in a salary cap bind about 5 years into the franchise. However, there arnt enough very exicitn new features added to the game and i have to agree with the fact that creating playbooks and plays is quite pointless becuase of the I thought the game was better than madden 04. I ove the new hit stick and i find it very easy to use. The Franchise game mode is sweet but i always find myself in a salary cap bind about 5 years into the franchise. However, there arnt enough very exicitn new features added to the game and i have to agree with the fact that creating playbooks and plays is quite pointless becuase of the restriction.… Expand
  18. NickD.
    Feb 23, 2005
    10
    For all y'all who think that the game is unrealistic your wrong. The long pass yes, but you can run the ball like before, and you only have limited time to throw the ball in real life. If your angry about running the ball you can't run the ball up the middle every time. You can but you gotta mix it up. And honestly I've hated runnin a toss play but it is easier I think so For all y'all who think that the game is unrealistic your wrong. The long pass yes, but you can run the ball like before, and you only have limited time to throw the ball in real life. If your angry about running the ball you can't run the ball up the middle every time. You can but you gotta mix it up. And honestly I've hated runnin a toss play but it is easier I think so use that and that can confuse the AI.… Expand
  19. JacobH.
    Feb 4, 2005
    10
    It is awsome!
  20. BrettW.
    Apr 3, 2005
    9
    The game play is great and the AI is more challenging but i just wish the memory was a little better like remembering the season before for instance who the previous super bowl champs were and the previous records that had been broken for example my team went 16-0 and the talk was about how amazing they were yet the following year they were 12-0 and on the radio show they continued to talkThe game play is great and the AI is more challenging but i just wish the memory was a little better like remembering the season before for instance who the previous super bowl champs were and the previous records that had been broken for example my team went 16-0 and the talk was about how amazing they were yet the following year they were 12-0 and on the radio show they continued to talk about how 16-0 had never been done before now its nothing major and im going to buy the games every year it would just be nice to have the ea sports people to place the same effort and attention in to the additions they are adding surrounding the game as they are adding to the offence and defence as well as the ever changing graphics to create the best video game ever played by its fans.… Expand
  21. JesseB.
    May 1, 2005
    8
    I read all of these previous posts and some makes me scrach my head. I conisder my self a hardcore madden player and I find this game very easy. Even on all madden. Typical madden players pass 70% of the time. I however have an evenly balanced attack. I have led the league in rushing and passing together every single season. I do not create players or edit them, or even take the salary I read all of these previous posts and some makes me scrach my head. I conisder my self a hardcore madden player and I find this game very easy. Even on all madden. Typical madden players pass 70% of the time. I however have an evenly balanced attack. I have led the league in rushing and passing together every single season. I do not create players or edit them, or even take the salary cap off. I have mastered this game. There are some games I win 77-0 on all madden. This game is hard to master but when you do it becomes easy. I wish there was a harder level. I have figured out all the madden gliches. The best gliche is to pick a play on defense in which your middle linebacker is supposed to blitz. Take control of him and pull back(do not blitz), if you do this the all madden brain thinks he is blitzing and has no idea i am sitting there waiting to pick off a pass. I intercepted over 100 passes in 4 years by doing this method. I need a harder level and 2005 does not provide me with it.… Expand
  22. Sum1around
    Aug 16, 2005
    10
    What is ur peepoles problems this is probably the best sports video game ive ever played only behind mlb slugfest loaded.
  23. ImmortalStryfe
    Oct 26, 2004
    6
    See some other people are thinking along the same line as I am. Whatever little updates they have made to this game really hasn't made it that much better and so the overall score should be going down. The AI really doesn't adapt, it may take advantage of a gap once but really if it were trying to win why not do it all the time if it's still there. The plays are still See some other people are thinking along the same line as I am. Whatever little updates they have made to this game really hasn't made it that much better and so the overall score should be going down. The AI really doesn't adapt, it may take advantage of a gap once but really if it were trying to win why not do it all the time if it's still there. The plays are still static, why bother give a create a playbook option if you have to make the plays from some scripted options. Why if i make a formation (both D and O) and then flip it at the line everyone starts running all over the place, the safeties try to cross each other..... there are still too many little annoying things about this game that haven't been changed since the turn of the century.. come on madden do better.… Expand
  24. ChrisG.
    May 25, 2004
    10
    Love it!
  25. JuniorT.
    Jul 29, 2004
    10
    I've bought Madden for the past 10 years, and I will finally have a game which truly resembles the reality of football...D's which are nearly unpenetrable and player ego's.
  26. JoshQ.
    Aug 11, 2004
    10
    I definitely agree with almost every review I've read about Madden, it's the best football game this year. I really like ESPN, but Madden is just incredible. The defense is amazing and the franchise mode is the best ever.
  27. TroyM.
    Aug 11, 2004
    10
    I bought both ESPN & Madden 2005. I felt that Madden was heads and shoulders above ESPN. If you want realistic gameplay then get Madden. ESPN is all flash and too easy. If you want to win every game by 30-40 points, get ESPN. If you want a game that is about as close to the real thing as possible, then you can't go wrong with Madden.
  28. BillD.
    Aug 10, 2004
    6
    Madden 2005 is the same boring game I played last year,(aside from some new bells and whistles)and it bored me last year too.NCAA 2005 has such an incredible run system(Alige Running System)why it wasn't included in this years Madden I don't know.ESPN Football does everthing Madden does(except for a few minor offensive adjustments) just a whole lot better!ESPN Football Is Madden 2005 is the same boring game I played last year,(aside from some new bells and whistles)and it bored me last year too.NCAA 2005 has such an incredible run system(Alige Running System)why it wasn't included in this years Madden I don't know.ESPN Football does everthing Madden does(except for a few minor offensive adjustments) just a whole lot better!ESPN Football Is better!The VIP system is an incrediblly innovative feature.(who cares about hotdog prices and sports radio chit chat,woo hoo).If your considering buying this game look around at reviews(not EA pocketed magazine reviews ,yes Gamepro I'm talking about you and EGM you too) but real reader reviews.EA needs to stop putting a new cover on an aging football game. … Expand
  29. Johnk
    Aug 17, 2004
    10
    Play on all-pro right off the bat and don
  30. JasonP.
    Aug 19, 2004
    10
    This game blows Madden 2004 out of the air! Madden 2005 is a way better graphically engineered game! Madden keeps the score close no matter what! You could be up in the 1st half and wham, a come back from hell! The ESPN game is a great game, but it just doen't have that name-MADDEN!!!!
  31. LiamS.
    Aug 19, 2004
    6
    The latest installment in the Madden line is quite impressive, but not without fault. I agree completely with another reviewer that skill level of players appears to mean nothing in this Madden version. A 99 rated Quarterback will appear to throw as many interceptions as a 55 rated QB. Not quite the realism I was hoping for. I also agree with the comments that the computer A.I. is not The latest installment in the Madden line is quite impressive, but not without fault. I agree completely with another reviewer that skill level of players appears to mean nothing in this Madden version. A 99 rated Quarterback will appear to throw as many interceptions as a 55 rated QB. Not quite the realism I was hoping for. I also agree with the comments that the computer A.I. is not very intelligent at picking up a play that works over and over again. Nonetheless, at higher levels, All-Pro or Madden, scores of 3-0 or 7-0 are commonplace. This is not rewarding football. In my view, the AI has been made better, without still being very smart, if that makes any sense. The franchise mode is the heart of this game and is improved from last year. The gameplay is solid, and the graphics just so-so. On the whole, not the wonderful game that I was anticipating... … Expand
  32. ShaneN.
    Aug 22, 2004
    10
    Best game i ever played.
  33. BillN.
    Sep 5, 2004
    10
    A great game
  34. Batman
    Sep 7, 2004
    3
    These stupid football games are always the same not enough new things each year they should make it a huge difference and it should have like a 4 year gap...then it might be good...NFL Street is definitely the best football game because its original and the animations are awesome.
  35. DibyajyotiD.
    Feb 13, 2005
    9
    It's a great game especially the gameplay.
  36. OscarT.
    Jul 24, 2005
    10
    This is the best football game this year.
  37. CuongL.
    Nov 19, 2004
    9
    It a great games but they aren't much record to break like realz life.
  38. SinclairD.
    Nov 2, 2004
    2
    This game is extremely boring, in terms of gameplay. As someone else said, don't bother trying to rush the ball against the CPU- you'll get nailed to the ground. I'm a casual player (I prefer FIFA 2005), and am put off by the difficulty of the running plays. If I play at the 'Rookie' level- I win every game easily; but at 'Pro'- I get stuffed on almost This game is extremely boring, in terms of gameplay. As someone else said, don't bother trying to rush the ball against the CPU- you'll get nailed to the ground. I'm a casual player (I prefer FIFA 2005), and am put off by the difficulty of the running plays. If I play at the 'Rookie' level- I win every game easily; but at 'Pro'- I get stuffed on almost every rush. I have to passs most of the time (If I can evade being sacked in 0.5 seconds)! What a joke of a game!… Expand
  39. ZachM.
    Nov 3, 2004
    10
    K-I-C-K-S A-S-S couldn't get any better, i play and play and play. Every single day i play a quick game of Madden. The Franchise Mode got even better, This game couldn't get any better.
  40. BradC.
    Dec 23, 2004
    9
    I love the new defensive controls. The hit stick is hard to control though. I like the new franchise mode too and all of its new features.
  41. BriceM.
    Jun 27, 2004
    10
    Madden 2005 has everything the football gamer would want.
  42. HobblesMcG.
    Aug 11, 2004
    10
    Best game of any kind ever. If anyone reading this has a different opinion, that person's opinion is wrong, and that person is a fool. As a side note, if anyone gave ESPN a rating higher than 7, they must clearly have thought the scale went to 100. Madden gets a 100.
  43. PaulM.
    Aug 11, 2004
    10
    The people at PSM Magazine need to remove their heads from their asses. "Not as ambitious, advanced, or enjoyable as ESPN?"... What the hell are you smoking. If by that you meant lame, slow, and choppy, you may be correct. I got fooled by ESPN's cheap price, and I regretted it until today when I traded it in for Madden. PSM, you fools are out of touch.
  44. GregA.
    Aug 12, 2004
    9
    No question - its just a better "football" game then ESPN and worth the price.
  45. PeterS.
    Aug 12, 2004
    8
    While I like some of the improvements over last year's game, there's still a major imbalance between the difficulty of the running game and the ease of the passing game. It's still a great game, but when compared to ESPN 2K5 on a number of fronts... Madden 2005 lags just behind.
  46. Mattw.
    Aug 15, 2004
    7
    For those who call it realistic sure haven't thrown no look cross-body passes spot on 60 yards down the opposite end of the fiend with a sub-par QB. Yes, you can do this in madden with consistency. The deep ball seems to be as much as a problem as it has been in previous versions. Madden has a much more arcade like feel to it than 2k5. If you want something that resembles a For those who call it realistic sure haven't thrown no look cross-body passes spot on 60 yards down the opposite end of the fiend with a sub-par QB. Yes, you can do this in madden with consistency. The deep ball seems to be as much as a problem as it has been in previous versions. Madden has a much more arcade like feel to it than 2k5. If you want something that resembles a simulation more go with 2k5.… Expand
  47. J.B.
    Aug 16, 2004
    10
    I bought ESPN 2K5 when it came out, and I loved it. Fun, easy to get in to gameplay, great presentation and killer graphics. It would take a lot for Madden to top it. And top it Madden did. At first glance, ESPN will jump out more (for the reasons I stated), but as I played more and more of Madden 2005, I realized how much the little changes to defense added to the depth of the game. I bought ESPN 2K5 when it came out, and I loved it. Fun, easy to get in to gameplay, great presentation and killer graphics. It would take a lot for Madden to top it. And top it Madden did. At first glance, ESPN will jump out more (for the reasons I stated), but as I played more and more of Madden 2005, I realized how much the little changes to defense added to the depth of the game. It's just a deeper, more rewarding, more intense game of football than ESPN or last year's Madden. ESPN is a better pick up and play with your friends type of game, but Madden is the game to get for those who want to get the best football experience.… Expand
  48. JasonC.
    Aug 16, 2004
    7
    Madden is the greatest football game of all time. The game combines all the realism, excitement, and fun of an actual football game to give you the complete package....oh, wait, this isn't 2002. All those statements would be true if Madden had bothered to make any major changes in the past three years. Madden has been getting by on its name alone and this is the year that people will Madden is the greatest football game of all time. The game combines all the realism, excitement, and fun of an actual football game to give you the complete package....oh, wait, this isn't 2002. All those statements would be true if Madden had bothered to make any major changes in the past three years. Madden has been getting by on its name alone and this is the year that people will finally notice. That is, those people smart enough to spend the $20 to buy ESPN NFL 2k5. Once you play ESPN, you'll realize how unrealistic and boring Madden really is. Like an incredibly difficult and unrealistic running game? Buy Madden. Like a passing game that sometimes has you picking up 300 yards with a single reciever in one game? Buy Madden. Like scoring 50+ points in a game? Buy Madden. The realism of ESPN makes Madden come off looking arcade-like, a term that has never been applied to the Madden series before. … Expand
  49. JasonV.
    Aug 19, 2004
    9
    Ok I admit it, I was a NFL Blitz fan for years. Sad I know. But, last year my girl bought me Madden 2004---I never looked back. This years 2005 version is way better. It not only has better graphics and gameplay but I love The Franchise Mode! This game is the best Madden ever, which makes it the best football game ever. Yes, I rented 2k5 and it was fun, but it was like playing Blitz, Ok I admit it, I was a NFL Blitz fan for years. Sad I know. But, last year my girl bought me Madden 2004---I never looked back. This years 2005 version is way better. It not only has better graphics and gameplay but I love The Franchise Mode! This game is the best Madden ever, which makes it the best football game ever. Yes, I rented 2k5 and it was fun, but it was like playing Blitz, while Madden has no peer. I actually love playing defense now and I'm playing on the All Madden mode and I can run the ball with the best of them. Not to mention that my passing game is top notch as well. Go Bears!!!… Expand
  50. PC
    Aug 22, 2004
    10
    The greatest football game. this is the only sport game out there that makes you want to buy it each and every year a new season comes out.
  51. Joe
    May 15, 2005
    5
    I would have given the game a higher rating, but every year a new madden game comes out, the game stops working shortly. Im not the only one who has noticed this. This trick is done just so the company can sell next years madden game product. All i have to say is because of this reason im not going to ever buy another 50 dollar madden game with a time bomb on it. To the makers of theseI would have given the game a higher rating, but every year a new madden game comes out, the game stops working shortly. Im not the only one who has noticed this. This trick is done just so the company can sell next years madden game product. All i have to say is because of this reason im not going to ever buy another 50 dollar madden game with a time bomb on it. To the makers of these games and their sick ideas, go to hell, you will never get another penny from me.… Expand
  52. BryanM.
    May 17, 2007
    3
    Joe what the hell are you talking about its now 2007 and my Madden 2004 is still working. so I have no clue what your talking about. and how is this game better then NFL 2K5?
  53. BobbyV.
    Nov 16, 2004
    10
    One word to describe what makes this game better than any of the competition: Gameplay.
  54. CaseyI.
    Dec 28, 2004
    9
    I'm a former madden hater... every year i find myself going out to buy it in hopes that it will be as good as NCAA Football and each year i am disappointed... Until this morning when i went out and bought Madden 2005 i've played it all day and it has yet to disappoint... If you hated the other ones like me give this one a chance.
  55. Serotam
    Dec 25, 2017
    8
    Although some may argue that this game doesn't compare to ESPN NFL 2k5 in certain respects/aspects, it seems to me at least that this is a decent improvement over last years Madden specifically to say the least, (not that last year's game necessarily needed noticeable improvements.) It is easy for some fans to argue or at least think that ESPN NFL 2k5 is better just because it isAlthough some may argue that this game doesn't compare to ESPN NFL 2k5 in certain respects/aspects, it seems to me at least that this is a decent improvement over last years Madden specifically to say the least, (not that last year's game necessarily needed noticeable improvements.) It is easy for some fans to argue or at least think that ESPN NFL 2k5 is better just because it is something different than what most are used to. (2k5's tackling system was arguably 7 years ahead of it's time considering it wasn't until Madden '12 could match it's realism and feel, the crib featured offered some addicting milestones/achievements to keep you playing and wanting more.) Madden 2005 ought to be thought of as a defensive upgrade to last years award winning Madden NFL 2004. Although last year's game was arguably the biggest year-to-year improvement in the entire series, (or at least for the PS2-Xbox-Gamecube generation,) the improvements in that game were heavily offense oriented, (mainly offensive pre snap adjustments such as changing the direction of a run, leading your fullback to a key block for a big gain, directing your receiver to an open spot on the field for a big passing play.) Madden 2005 had some fairly effective defensive improvements besides the new hit stick feature which most Madden fans remember the most such as committing to the run/pass, double team coverage and changing individual player assignments that it basically countered the offensive spark Madden 2004 offered to it's football frenzy gamers. Factor in story-line central which beefs up the excitement of franchise mode, slightly improved graphics and even more animations than it's predecessor and this is much more of a definite buy, (at least to gamers whose most recent purchase was madden 2003.)… Expand
  56. SiAScORCH
    Nov 5, 2014
    10
    I think this was the Madden that revolutionized the whole series. This was the year they introduced the hit stick and the actual speed made a difference. In the previous years a player with 95 speed could be caught by a player with 80 speed, not in this case. The graphics were amazing for the era of the game and the defense was the king of this game, so long as you knew how to utilize theI think this was the Madden that revolutionized the whole series. This was the year they introduced the hit stick and the actual speed made a difference. In the previous years a player with 95 speed could be caught by a player with 80 speed, not in this case. The graphics were amazing for the era of the game and the defense was the king of this game, so long as you knew how to utilize the players. I played over 500 games while this game was online and I don't think I ever got bored of it. I think most players jumped on the Patriots bandwagon or the Eagles too if I'm not mistaken. This was definitely one of the best Madden games produced.… Expand
  57. emlugo123
    Feb 25, 2015
    7
    This was the first Madden game that I ever played and certainly made me start getting into the NFL. Felt like real football during the time when I played this game. Ooooooh the memories!
  58. homer4president
    Mar 28, 2015
    8
    Here we go again. Time to sink your hard-earned money in another installment of the Madden series. But hey, I'm not complaining. I love football till it hurts and the Madden games have proven year after year to be nothing short of spectacular.
  59. DunkonMadden
    Aug 30, 2020
    8
    Highest-ranking Madden, but it still lacks sum of Maddens features from 06-08. I like it tho. It has the best defensive gameplay of any Madden tho.
  60. BlakkSteel
    Jul 28, 2023
    9
    I can definitely tip my hat to EA on this entry. Even though NFL 2k5 is the absolute better game (actually, THE best ever made), Madden 2005 was very entertaining. The game modes & season/franchise additions were nice touches. In the end, I just spent triple the time with 2k5, because it was universally better & more fun.

Awards & Rankings

6
#6 Best PS2 Game of 2004
15
#15 Most Discussed PS2 Game of 2004

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
91

Universal acclaim - based on 30 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 29 out of 30
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 30
  3. Negative: 0 out of 30
  1. GMR Magazine
    90
    It still doesn't own the grahics category, but Madden controls better with that same great pace it's known to have. [Sept 2004, p.86]
  2. Electronic Gaming Monthly
    92
    [Chris]: Madden just plays better than "ESPN." There. I said it. [Bryan]: No, Chris - It plays a LOT better. And and I'm not just talking about the improved defensive play (especially in the secondary) and, with a quick tap on the new Hit Stick, the bone-jarring tackles. It's how Madden replicates the style of play of actual NFL squads. [Sept 2004, p.94]
  3. netjak
    56
    Sure, the series succeeds in the atmosphere department, but atmosphere is more needed for the spectators than the guys playing the game. Madden, to me, is a warm, fluffy roll without the hamburger. Yo EA, where’s the beef?
See all critic reviews »